Omid Djalili has revealed Russell Crowe misinterpreted his gesture of friendship on the set of Gladiator and thought he was coming on to him.

The 48-year-old comedian and actor has published his autobiography in which he reveals some anecdotes from his time working on Ridley Scott's Oscar-winning film.

Omid revealed the producers decided he could be a useful "bridge" to help lead actor Russell come out of his shell and relieve tension on set.

But Omid revealed: "He thought the producers assumed he was gay and had sent me as a gay guy to befriend him. It was the way I said, 'We'll take off our shirts, play a bit of pool...' I think he said: 'Even if I was gay, why would I want to be with a fat c*** like you?'"

But The Infidel star - who's had roles in films including The Mummy and Sex And The City 2 - has fond memories of working on Gladiator.

He said: "I've always wanted to make serious films. Comedy's important, it's very good to laugh. But when I look back at all my favourite films, they're all drama. I remember thinking I love Gladiator... I can't believe I'm in it."

:: Hopeful by Omid Djalili is published in hardback by Headline on August 28. Omid Djalili's Iranalamadingdong starts on September 18 at the Epsom Playhouse and runs until March 28, 2015. For more details, visit www.omidnoagenda.com.

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